Victoria's road repair costs soar 400% while network deteriorates
Repair costs jumped 400% in five years while fewer roads are actually being fixed annually.
Victoria's state government has admitted to mismanaging its regional road network, scaling back preventive maintenance and outsourcing repairs to contractors doing cheap work. Budget figures show the cost per square metre of repair work has climbed steeply: from $53.70 in 2021-22 to $264 in 2026-27.
The amount of road surface being repaired each year has fallen sharply despite rising costs. Experts told the outlet past and current road builders that the government stripped the Transport Department of its skilled engineers and dismantled preventive maintenance programs.
When asked by reporters about a plan to bring maintenance back in-house, a government spokesperson admitted there is none. At the current rate, the state is only fixing its regional network once every 60 years.
- 400% over five years
- Cost increase
- $53.70
- Cost per square metre 2021-22
- $264
- Cost per square metre 2026-27
- Once every 60 years at current rate
- Repair frequency
Why it mattersBad roads drive up repair bills, cost drivers money in vehicle damage and fuel, and delay freight and business travel across regional Australia.
AustraliaVictorians and businesses depending on regional roads face a network that is getting worse despite massive spending, with no government plan to reverse it.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 10 h ago
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